Palm Beach Post Game Day: Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins already announced that defensive tackle Paul Soliai and cornerback Dimitri Patterson would be out. The only other significant inactive is rookie cornerback Jamar Taylor. Fellow rookie cornerback Will Davis is active. Other inactives: quarterback Pat Devlin, linebacker Josh Kaddu, and offensive linemen Danny Watkins and Dallas Thomas.

**

MIAMI GARDENS — After opening the regular season with two road games, the Dolphins play at home for the first time today in unfamiliar territory — win and they will be 3-0 and widely considered a playoff contender.

Weeks ago a win against the Falcons, who came within a game of the Super Bowl last year, would have seemed like a huge long shot. But after winning on the road in Indianapolis, and with a banged up Falcons team coming into Sun Life Stadium, the Dolphins are a slight favorite today.

Atlanta still has one of the league’s best passing teams although receiver Roddy White is playing through a high ankle sprain. Miami’s passing game is vastly improved in quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s second season. With Miami tied for the league lead in sacks, and Atlanta a mediocre pass rush team, the Dolphins should be able to hold their own in the air.

Starting running back Steven Jackson and left tackle Sam Baker are out for Atlanta. Miami is missing defensive tackle Paul Soliai and cornerback Dimitri Patterson.

When Dolphins have the ballMiami passing (14th in NFL) vs. Atlanta pass defense (29th): There’s no shame in getting shredded by New Orleans in the season opener, but Atlanta gave up 352 passing yards to St. Louis last week. Rookie Desmond Trufant joins former All-Pro but aging Asante Samuel, who is questionable to play because of a thigh injury, at cornerback for Atlanta. Miami’s passing game, under second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill, continues to improve. Edge: Miami.

Miami rushing (28th) vs. Atlanta rush defense (9th): After rushing for just 20 yards in the season opener, Miami’s running game showed signs of life in Indianapolis with 101 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons haven’t been challenged yet, facing average rushing teams in New Orleans and St. Louis. But Miami also has run-blocking issues and has a lot to prove on the ground. Edge: Atlanta.
When Falcons have the ball

Atlanta passing (6th) vs. Miami pass defense (20th): Atlanta receiver Roddy White has a high ankle sprain but is expected to play. The Falcons also have one of the best young receivers in the NFL in Julio Jones, and Matt Ryan is an elite quarterback. Miami’s cornerbacks are banged up and will be severely challenged. Edge: Atlanta.

Atlanta rushing (T-26th) vs. Miami rush defense (13th): Veteran running back Steven Jackson is out for the Falcons, so Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers will have to carry the load against a tough defensive line. Even with defensive tackle Paul Soliai out, Miami should be able to stop Atlanta. Edge: Miami.

Special teams

Miami rookie Caleb Sturgis is emerging as a top-tier kicker and has the edge over Atlanta’s Matt Bryant, who was middle of the pack last year. Both teams have top 10 punters – Atlanta’s Matt Bosher of Jupiter is the best punter through two games, although Brandon Fields had the better season in 2012. Miami has been better at returning kicks while Atlanta has been better at defending punt returns. Edge: Miami.